Center of Excellence: Bristol Urological Institute, Bristol University
Director/ Urotour Coordinator: Prof. Paul Abrams
Visit Dates: 26/09-03/10/2010
What the Trainees said
Description and Evaluation of the Center
I had the honor to be selected to participate in Urotour 2010 for the period 26th September- 3rd October. The Center I chose to visit was the Bristol Urological Institute. The first day we were welcomed by the Director of the Center, Professor Abrahams. Very kind, warm and friendly, he took us to the operating theater and introduced us to his colleagues, asking them to accept us as Observers during the surgical procedures they would perform. During our 5 days, we had the opportunity to attend Robotic and Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomies, one Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy, one Partial Penectomy with Plastic Reconstruction, Percutaneous Nephrolithotripies. We participated in Urodynamic Studies and followed the involved cases with Professors Abrams and Drake. Professor Abrams was so kind to invite us at his home for dinner, where we had the opportunity to discuss scientific and other issues and get to know each other at a personal level. In general terms, I believe that -despite the short duration- my visit to Professor Paul Abrams' Department has significantly contributed to my further scientific education/training.
Evaluation of the Center
The Bristol Urological Institute is a Center of Excellence and Reference particularly for prostate cancer and neurourological diseases. The program included daily visits to the patient wards, Outpatient Clinic, operating theaters -to attend advanced procedures, like Robotic Radical Prostatectomy performed by pioneering surgeons, such as Professor David Gillatt- and the Urodynamic Lab with Professor Paul Abrams in charge. Both the medical and paramedical staff were exceptionally hospitable and friendly, I could not possibly omit mentioning the special care and interest demonstrated by Professor Paul Abrams, who was continuously following our educational progress during this one week. As a consequence, I consider this one-week Urotour Fellowship to be an experience that is priceless for a young Urologist. I hope Urotour will continue in 2011, so that more Greek Urologists will have the opportunity to gain such a great benefit for their carreer.
